Optical Systems Engineer

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.; Beverly (MA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced optical and opto-mechanical systems for semiconductor equipment and metrology applications.

This hands-on role requires translating complex physics into manufacturable systems and collaborating across mechanical, electrical, software, and process teams. The ideal candidate has an MS/PhD in a relevant field, 8+ years of experience, and strong skills in optics, imaging, and photonics.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience developing complex optical systems.
• Strong understanding of geometrical optics; physical optics; imaging systems; lasers and photonics; and optical metrology.
• Experience moving systems from concept through prototype and validation.
• Experience developing optical test methods and calibration techniques.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Programming experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing tools.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal technical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and development of optical systems for semiconductor manufacturing and metrology applications.
• Develop novel optical approaches for process monitoring, wafer alignment, implant verification, materials characterization, and related applications.
• Perform optical modeling, simulation, tolerancing, and performance analysis using appropriate engineering tools.
• Design and specify optical subsystems, including: Lasers and illumination systems; Polarization optics; Imaging systems; Spectroscopic systems; Sensors and detectors; and Optical assemblies and calibration methodologies.
• Build and evaluate proof-of-concept systems and engineering prototypes.
• Develop experimental plans, execute measurements, analyze data, and draw conclusions from complex physical phenomena.
• Convert laboratory concepts into robust, manufacturable systems suitable for semiconductor production environments.
• Define system requirements and performance budgets.
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, and process engineers to implement complete solutions.
• Support vendor selection and development of custom optical components and assemblies.
• Troubleshoot optical, mechanical, and system-level issues during development and deployment.
• Generate technical documentation, design reviews, specifications, test procedures, and engineering reports.
• Evaluate intellectual property, technical risks, and competitive technologies related to optical systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship in optical engineering across the organization.

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Location: Beverly, MA (On-Site) Business Unit: Technology Development, IBU

Position Summary

Axcelis is seeking a highly motivated Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced optical and opto-mechanical systems for semiconductor equipment and metrology applications. This role will be responsible for creating innovative optical solutions that enable next-generation process control, wafer alignment, materials characterization, and implant verification technologies. The successful candidate will serve as the company's principal optical expert, translating physical concepts into practical, manufacturable systems. They will work across disciplines including mechanical, electrical, software, controls, process, and systems engineering to develop optical instruments from initial concept through prototype validation and production deployment. This is a hands-on role requiring both deep theoretical knowledge and practical engineering execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and development of optical systems for semiconductor manufacturing and metrology applications.
• Develop novel optical approaches for process monitoring, wafer alignment, implant verification, materials characterization, and related applications.
• Perform optical modeling, simulation, tolerancing, and performance analysis using appropriate engineering tools.
• Design and specify optical subsystems, including: Lasers and illumination systems; Polarization optics; Imaging systems; Spectroscopic systems; Sensors and detectors; and Optical assemblies and calibration methodologies
• Build and evaluate proof-of-concept systems and engineering prototypes.
• Develop experimental plans, execute measurements, analyze data, and draw conclusions from complex physical phenomena.
• Convert laboratory concepts into robust, manufacturable systems suitable for semiconductor production environments.
• Define system requirements and performance budgets.
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, controls, and process engineers to implement complete solutions.
• Support vendor selection and development of custom optical components and assemblies.
• Troubleshoot optical, mechanical, and system-level issues during development and deployment.
• Generate technical documentation, design reviews, specifications, test procedures, and engineering reports.
• Evaluate intellectual property, technical risks, and competitive technologies related to optical systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship in optical engineering across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience developing complex optical systems.
• Strong understanding of: Geometrical optics; Physical optics; Imaging systems; Lasers and photonics; and Optical metrology
• Experience moving systems from concept through prototype and validation.
• Demonstrated ability to perform both theoretical analysis and hands-on experimental work.
• Experience developing optical test methods and calibration techniques.
• Strong data analysis and problem‑solving skills.
• Programming experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing tools.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal technical guidance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Semiconductor equipment or semiconductor metrology experience.
• Experience using Zemax, Code V, FRED, COMSOL, or similar modeling tools.
• Experience designing opto-mechanical assemblies for industrial environments.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and measurement-system validation.
• Experience developing production-worthy systems from early-stage research concepts.

Success Profile

The ideal candidate is: A self-starter who can identify opportunities and drive technical solutions with limited direction. Comfortable working in ambiguous, early-stage development environments. Equally capable of deriving a theoretical model, aligning optics on a laboratory bench, and explaining results to senior leadership. Passionate about turning physics into products. Driven to create practical solutions that can operate reliably in semiconductor

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.

U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE

$132,073.00 - $198,109.00

This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations. Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as you develop within the role. Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular employees working 20+ hours a week).

Want to discover just how far your intellectual curiosity can take you? You’re in the right place. For more than four decades, Axcelis Technologies has been at the forefront of innovation in semiconductor manufacturing technology. Chipmakers around the globe rely on our tools and process expertise to deliver the semiconductors that power modern life—from smartphones and computers to cameras and cars. Our influence is global, with over 30 locations, an installed base of thousands worldwide and a customer list that includes the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers.

Ready to unleash your full potential? Discover just how far you can go, at Axcelis.